“The withdrawal of Andrew Puzder as nominee for labor secretary yesterday demonstrated the significance of vetting all people who seek positions of public trust. As the just-announced new nominee, Alexander Acosta and his record will now be subject to the same intense and reasonable scrutiny. Doing so is critical to finding a labor secretary who is qualified to hold a position of paramount importance to workers and their families.

Acosta must demonstrate that he will honor the mission of the U.S. Department of Labor and be the champion the country’s workers need and deserve. America’s women and working families depend on the labor secretary to protect and defend their rights while advancing policies that promote fair and family friendly workplaces, such as paid sick days, paid family and medical leave, and stronger wage and hour protections. That urgent work must continue.

All senators and the public should now closely examine Alexander Acosta’s record and consider whether he can carry out the core duties of labor secretary. The National Partnership for Women & Families will continue to join a strong, broad-based coalition in working with members of Congress to call attention to what is at stake and to investigate Acosta to ensure he is qualified and can be trusted to protect the rights of America’s women and working people.”